51 reviews
There's Medium, Ghost Whisperer, The Mentalist, Psych ... and now this. It's pretty cool that the creators were able to find an untapped niche in this crowded space.
The lead character, a paramedic, either voluntarily "reads" thoughts of others or involuntarily "receives" strong thoughts/emotions. His limitation is that he can only do it when in their presence and only gets what's currently in their mind.
On the plus side, the tone is serious, the acting is good and the stories are mostly interesting. On the negative side, the female police detective is entirely uncredible and a bit of pain to watch. Her character is written to present resistance to the psychic (she doesn't want his help), but the situation is ridiculous (even given a later disclosure of why). She knows what he can do and he regularly presents her with relevant, critical information ... but she still doesn't want his help. It's a poorly conceived attempt at creating tension and challenge.
Even so, the show is worth watching. Like Medium, getting bits of information and then figuring out how to extract the bigger story is an interesting thing to watch. While the writing isn't quite as good as Medium, it's still pretty good.
The lead character, a paramedic, either voluntarily "reads" thoughts of others or involuntarily "receives" strong thoughts/emotions. His limitation is that he can only do it when in their presence and only gets what's currently in their mind.
On the plus side, the tone is serious, the acting is good and the stories are mostly interesting. On the negative side, the female police detective is entirely uncredible and a bit of pain to watch. Her character is written to present resistance to the psychic (she doesn't want his help), but the situation is ridiculous (even given a later disclosure of why). She knows what he can do and he regularly presents her with relevant, critical information ... but she still doesn't want his help. It's a poorly conceived attempt at creating tension and challenge.
Even so, the show is worth watching. Like Medium, getting bits of information and then figuring out how to extract the bigger story is an interesting thing to watch. While the writing isn't quite as good as Medium, it's still pretty good.
Episode 1. Pretty good start. I immediately liked the hero (Craig Olejnik is perfect casting) and I was entertained not only by the story, but by the way the story was told.
Episode 2. I like it. The don't overuse the gimmick and - when they do use it - the use in in an intelligent way. The cast are great. The cop is written as being very smart and the hero is written as often being wrong. So, it's interesting to watch them working.
Episode 3. Craig Olejnik is a great leading man. He sells the idea of hearing people's thoughts and he's very likable and sympathetic. He's got that whole wounded dove thing going on, yet he's Alpha Male enough to carry to mild action sequences. Ennis Esmer is a great sidekick. Very likable and funny. He should get more screen time. Lisa Marcos is crazy hot.
Episode 4. It's not a bad show and the elements that I like... I really like. So I'm gonna stick with it. It's light entertainment. A fun, summer show.
Episode 5. The best case-of-the-week for Toby so far. The twist at the midpoint really surprised me, and made the episode more interesting. Toby's powers are, when you think about it, pretty useless to him. They never tell him anything useful. The show's real strength are the scenes between Toby and his best friend. Great writing and acting/chemistry make for some hilarious and believable scenes of a friendship.
Episode 6. I like the angle of the hero who cares about people he meets and wants to butt into their lives and help/save them. It's the whole Pretender/Early Edition thing, I suppose. Toby keeps running around getting involved in stuff that has nothing to do with him. He's a goodie-goodie. Like Tru on Tru Calling he knows stuff that he shouldn't and he uses that knowledge to try and save lives and stuff. I dig that stuff. It makes him a very old fashioned TV hero.
Episode 7. Michelle Adams gives a terrific performance as the girl with the powers. She brings a great sense of being 'above' everything to the role. Just like Craig Olejnik, really, who makes a fantastic lead.
Episode 8. Flawless. The first episode to nail the show's formula to perfection, and the first superb episode.
What did they get right? Toby's powers were useful and without them there would have been no story. Each use of the power (a) advanced the story, (b) was funny, (c) led to a character moment, (d) was genuinely cool/interesting.
They created a strong/excellent b-story for the underused Mylene Robic. Charlie was well-written and dynamic and heroic. Lisa Marcos was sexier than ever (my god, but she is crazy hot and I'm borderline obsessed) and she showed considerable acting chops, too.
Episode 9. For the second week in a row, the show excels in giving all four regulars an abundance of good scenes and Olivia gets a really good subplot for the second week in a row.
Even better, the show seems to have gotten a complete handle on Toby's powers and has figured out a way to show/use them that is interesting, cool and logical.
Episode 10. Mid-way through the season, The Listener completely hit it's stride and started to deliver superb episodes. This is yet another superb episode.
1. Toby's powers. The show has totally figured out how to use Toby's powers in a way that is totally cool, and totally serves the stories and makes them far more interesting.
2. Oz. Without making it a stated aim of the script, the show has found a way to show us how Toby's friends 'use' him and his power.
3. The story. It's a cracker of a tale from start to finish.
4. The twist. I love stories with a twist, and I love shows that opt to end their episodes on a downbeat note.
5. Mylene Robic/Olivia. She didn't have as much screen time in this episode, as in the previous two, but I really love her and Toby as a couple.
Episode 11. Another strong case-of-the-week, with lots of cool touches involving Toby's powers and the regular characters. The show has nailed it. They know how to tell stories and use Toby's powers in an intelligent way. All uses of Toby's powers are cool, now. And they either advance the plot in some tangible way or they provide nice moments of insight into the characters in the stories. Class.
Episode 12. Another great episode. Why? It's a novel way of telling the story. There are multiple new ways to use Toby's power shown in the episode (a woman appears behind him, at one point). The actual identity of the killer is impossible to guess. All four regular characters are getting quality screen time. There's a great subplot with the great Gordon Pinsent playing a guy who knows about Toby's past.
The final scene/shot is great, too.
Episode 13. The Listener is an usual series. All episodes were case-of-the-week driven, but the first seven episodes were flawed and uneven. From episode eight onwards, while still being case-of-the-week driven, the show became superb and flawless. The show figured out how to make Toby's powers cool and interesting, and the show also figured out how to use the powers to enhance the story in unusual ways. Good writing and good acting and the added bonus of an intelligent way of using Toby's powers.
I desperately want a second season. But not for the backstory, they haven't made me care enough about the backstory and there are more than enough shows out there about lone heroes up against mysterious conspiracies. No, I want a second season because this show has turned into something that delivers A+ stories every single week and the hero, his powers and the cast are very cool.
Episode 2. I like it. The don't overuse the gimmick and - when they do use it - the use in in an intelligent way. The cast are great. The cop is written as being very smart and the hero is written as often being wrong. So, it's interesting to watch them working.
Episode 3. Craig Olejnik is a great leading man. He sells the idea of hearing people's thoughts and he's very likable and sympathetic. He's got that whole wounded dove thing going on, yet he's Alpha Male enough to carry to mild action sequences. Ennis Esmer is a great sidekick. Very likable and funny. He should get more screen time. Lisa Marcos is crazy hot.
Episode 4. It's not a bad show and the elements that I like... I really like. So I'm gonna stick with it. It's light entertainment. A fun, summer show.
Episode 5. The best case-of-the-week for Toby so far. The twist at the midpoint really surprised me, and made the episode more interesting. Toby's powers are, when you think about it, pretty useless to him. They never tell him anything useful. The show's real strength are the scenes between Toby and his best friend. Great writing and acting/chemistry make for some hilarious and believable scenes of a friendship.
Episode 6. I like the angle of the hero who cares about people he meets and wants to butt into their lives and help/save them. It's the whole Pretender/Early Edition thing, I suppose. Toby keeps running around getting involved in stuff that has nothing to do with him. He's a goodie-goodie. Like Tru on Tru Calling he knows stuff that he shouldn't and he uses that knowledge to try and save lives and stuff. I dig that stuff. It makes him a very old fashioned TV hero.
Episode 7. Michelle Adams gives a terrific performance as the girl with the powers. She brings a great sense of being 'above' everything to the role. Just like Craig Olejnik, really, who makes a fantastic lead.
Episode 8. Flawless. The first episode to nail the show's formula to perfection, and the first superb episode.
What did they get right? Toby's powers were useful and without them there would have been no story. Each use of the power (a) advanced the story, (b) was funny, (c) led to a character moment, (d) was genuinely cool/interesting.
They created a strong/excellent b-story for the underused Mylene Robic. Charlie was well-written and dynamic and heroic. Lisa Marcos was sexier than ever (my god, but she is crazy hot and I'm borderline obsessed) and she showed considerable acting chops, too.
Episode 9. For the second week in a row, the show excels in giving all four regulars an abundance of good scenes and Olivia gets a really good subplot for the second week in a row.
Even better, the show seems to have gotten a complete handle on Toby's powers and has figured out a way to show/use them that is interesting, cool and logical.
Episode 10. Mid-way through the season, The Listener completely hit it's stride and started to deliver superb episodes. This is yet another superb episode.
1. Toby's powers. The show has totally figured out how to use Toby's powers in a way that is totally cool, and totally serves the stories and makes them far more interesting.
2. Oz. Without making it a stated aim of the script, the show has found a way to show us how Toby's friends 'use' him and his power.
3. The story. It's a cracker of a tale from start to finish.
4. The twist. I love stories with a twist, and I love shows that opt to end their episodes on a downbeat note.
5. Mylene Robic/Olivia. She didn't have as much screen time in this episode, as in the previous two, but I really love her and Toby as a couple.
Episode 11. Another strong case-of-the-week, with lots of cool touches involving Toby's powers and the regular characters. The show has nailed it. They know how to tell stories and use Toby's powers in an intelligent way. All uses of Toby's powers are cool, now. And they either advance the plot in some tangible way or they provide nice moments of insight into the characters in the stories. Class.
Episode 12. Another great episode. Why? It's a novel way of telling the story. There are multiple new ways to use Toby's power shown in the episode (a woman appears behind him, at one point). The actual identity of the killer is impossible to guess. All four regular characters are getting quality screen time. There's a great subplot with the great Gordon Pinsent playing a guy who knows about Toby's past.
The final scene/shot is great, too.
Episode 13. The Listener is an usual series. All episodes were case-of-the-week driven, but the first seven episodes were flawed and uneven. From episode eight onwards, while still being case-of-the-week driven, the show became superb and flawless. The show figured out how to make Toby's powers cool and interesting, and the show also figured out how to use the powers to enhance the story in unusual ways. Good writing and good acting and the added bonus of an intelligent way of using Toby's powers.
I desperately want a second season. But not for the backstory, they haven't made me care enough about the backstory and there are more than enough shows out there about lone heroes up against mysterious conspiracies. No, I want a second season because this show has turned into something that delivers A+ stories every single week and the hero, his powers and the cast are very cool.
- RikerDonegal
- Jun 4, 2009
- Permalink
I have only seen four episodes so far but I plan on watching the rest of the season. I think this has the potential to be even better if given the opportunity. There is no limit to where the storyline can go.
As the episodes progress I have seen more character development. It takes time to build on a new character's background. What's the fun in knowing everything about them in the first episode? There is also the possibility of a villain surfacing sometime in the future.
It is refreshing to watch something other than crime, courtroom, and hospital dramas. I would like to see some people being saved for a change.
As the episodes progress I have seen more character development. It takes time to build on a new character's background. What's the fun in knowing everything about them in the first episode? There is also the possibility of a villain surfacing sometime in the future.
It is refreshing to watch something other than crime, courtroom, and hospital dramas. I would like to see some people being saved for a change.
I really like this show. OK, it's not overly fast-paced and has a few plot holes - but it does have a lot of heart. I enjoy the interaction of the main characters (esp. Oz) and the slow unfolding of the back-story. The end of season 1 left me wondering, what we will learn about his fate and his mother. However, this is where I'm stuck now.
WHERE IS THE SEASON 2 DVD?!
You're 4 episodes in, so it's about time to bring 2 and 3 out on a disc. Does nobody think about the poor European viewers? Do you really want to force me to ask a friend to download the episodes from some illegal platform? Come on! I'm ready to spend money - so give me a chance!
WHERE IS THE SEASON 2 DVD?!
You're 4 episodes in, so it's about time to bring 2 and 3 out on a disc. Does nobody think about the poor European viewers? Do you really want to force me to ask a friend to download the episodes from some illegal platform? Come on! I'm ready to spend money - so give me a chance!
- esther-s-schmidt
- Sep 16, 2013
- Permalink
Season 1 was by far the best season for The Listener. It had a very interesting story line and it made the fans ask so many questions. It had me at the edge of my seat. But then it stopped airing for a while and when it came back it was like a whole new different show.
Before it was about the boy with this supernatural power, mind reading, who had no idea how and why he had it, a mysterious past and so many questions unanswered. You'd basically feel what Toby is going through and desperately wait for answers while he saved people.
Now It's about a Hero with super powers who has taken a job in IIB to read people's mind to solve cases.
Not cool. We have enough CSI, CIA, NCIS, CBI, crime teams on TV if we wanted crime solving then we'd watch CIA Miami or Five-0 for the way normal people solve crimes. This show has a boy who can read minds. Where is the fun in that? Go back to your good ol' mysterious past and get into Toby more. No one cares about Michelle and her divorce. We want some Toby action. Please.
If you don't mind being left with a lot of questions unanswered and enjoy average crime solving then watch it. The only reason this show is getting stars if for Season 1.
Before it was about the boy with this supernatural power, mind reading, who had no idea how and why he had it, a mysterious past and so many questions unanswered. You'd basically feel what Toby is going through and desperately wait for answers while he saved people.
Now It's about a Hero with super powers who has taken a job in IIB to read people's mind to solve cases.
Not cool. We have enough CSI, CIA, NCIS, CBI, crime teams on TV if we wanted crime solving then we'd watch CIA Miami or Five-0 for the way normal people solve crimes. This show has a boy who can read minds. Where is the fun in that? Go back to your good ol' mysterious past and get into Toby more. No one cares about Michelle and her divorce. We want some Toby action. Please.
If you don't mind being left with a lot of questions unanswered and enjoy average crime solving then watch it. The only reason this show is getting stars if for Season 1.
- x-lightning-x
- Mar 2, 2013
- Permalink
I've seen some reviews on this series and kinda noticed most of the bad ones seem to come from North American reviewers and most of the good ones come from the rest of the world... So I thought "what the hell? why not drop half a rainy day on this?".
Like any drama, it takes time to build up enough background to work with (for example Dollhouse). All the actors do an excellent job (esp. Craig Olejnik) and the writing improves as the show goes on. The first and second episodes were OK but the third got me wanting more. I don't know about everyone else but I know I certainly enjoyed it and I hope there will be more in the future.
Like any drama, it takes time to build up enough background to work with (for example Dollhouse). All the actors do an excellent job (esp. Craig Olejnik) and the writing improves as the show goes on. The first and second episodes were OK but the third got me wanting more. I don't know about everyone else but I know I certainly enjoyed it and I hope there will be more in the future.
- geckoken512
- Jun 12, 2009
- Permalink
- ivison_1985
- Jun 2, 2009
- Permalink
- scottelginnunn
- Jan 11, 2023
- Permalink
Amazing show season one .. was on it way to a classic scifi show and half way through they changed the writers and the direction. Season 2 was okay even with the change but by season 3 this is just a cop show with a mind reader. So much potential WASTED.
I was very surprised by the quality of this show. I must admit I just watched it at first because I heard it was filmed in Toronto. After a few episodes, my girlfriend and I were hooked and want more. The show has its action with its splash of comedy on the side added by Ennis Esmer. It is a interesting "Hero-esque" type show where the main character, Toby (Craig Olejnik), must learn to use his powers, which allow him to hear the thoughts of others.
People with powers seem to be in abundance these days, and I really didn't have high hopes for this one, but even after the first few episodes you will see that there is some writing quality in the show as well. Give it a shot. If you're a Toronto local, you will also find it heavily entertaining that this show is not just filmed in Toronto, but the storyline is set here as well. Great show, still waiting on a green light for Season two.
People with powers seem to be in abundance these days, and I really didn't have high hopes for this one, but even after the first few episodes you will see that there is some writing quality in the show as well. Give it a shot. If you're a Toronto local, you will also find it heavily entertaining that this show is not just filmed in Toronto, but the storyline is set here as well. Great show, still waiting on a green light for Season two.
- c_fedun_100
- Jul 21, 2009
- Permalink
- rnixon1974
- Aug 8, 2020
- Permalink
- cute_cuddlez87
- Jul 20, 2020
- Permalink
- michaz-22974
- Aug 4, 2021
- Permalink
I started to watch this show recently. To tell the truth, I didn't expect much. Initially I thought this is just another streamlined crime solving series by the super being, but it didn't turn out that way.
Instead I see someone exploring on an unique venture, with gift and 'real' life troubles. That interested me like reading a biographical novel. I kinda really like it. But the pace is really slow, I didn't hook up until episode 3.
Actually, later these homicide cases becomes a burden to me. I can't help wondering, why this PARAMEDIC only help victims of crimes. Why he must go to the police station for help in each and every episode.
Despite the stuffed crime scene, and the death of his cop friend, I think season 1 ends well.
Then comes the season 2 which is a full-blown under-the-cover different series. The figure is gradually shedding off his identity as a paramedic. The show is morphing into another per episode crime solving series.
Maybe its the way I appreciated this series had changed. The loopholes suddenly become glaring. I still remember the way the new actress's cat-walking in the passage of a hotel followed by his sneaky assistant in S2E1. Call me lack of humor. Though S1's plots have flows, anyway, Charles still acts like a cop. and this new cat-walking detective is so unbearably fake.
Sadly you have to bear with her, while watching through the second season. Her and her sneaky tech savvy assistant steal more exposure from Toby. And Toby is being detached from his paramedic life. His paramedic setting seems artificially stuffed in there. And the interaction with his friends from season 1 is nearly set to be redundant.
I haven't watch Season 3. I hope this show didn't morph into an CSI copycat work. If Toby lost his paramedic setting, and becomes the police's exclusive mind reading machine. I kinda lost his show. Screw it!
Instead I see someone exploring on an unique venture, with gift and 'real' life troubles. That interested me like reading a biographical novel. I kinda really like it. But the pace is really slow, I didn't hook up until episode 3.
Actually, later these homicide cases becomes a burden to me. I can't help wondering, why this PARAMEDIC only help victims of crimes. Why he must go to the police station for help in each and every episode.
Despite the stuffed crime scene, and the death of his cop friend, I think season 1 ends well.
Then comes the season 2 which is a full-blown under-the-cover different series. The figure is gradually shedding off his identity as a paramedic. The show is morphing into another per episode crime solving series.
Maybe its the way I appreciated this series had changed. The loopholes suddenly become glaring. I still remember the way the new actress's cat-walking in the passage of a hotel followed by his sneaky assistant in S2E1. Call me lack of humor. Though S1's plots have flows, anyway, Charles still acts like a cop. and this new cat-walking detective is so unbearably fake.
Sadly you have to bear with her, while watching through the second season. Her and her sneaky tech savvy assistant steal more exposure from Toby. And Toby is being detached from his paramedic life. His paramedic setting seems artificially stuffed in there. And the interaction with his friends from season 1 is nearly set to be redundant.
I haven't watch Season 3. I hope this show didn't morph into an CSI copycat work. If Toby lost his paramedic setting, and becomes the police's exclusive mind reading machine. I kinda lost his show. Screw it!
- zhazhenzhong-826-358015
- Oct 23, 2013
- Permalink
So far I have only seen 3-4 episodes but it is different from many main stream shows and seems to have good characterizations and decent writing. The acting is fine and the people seem real, not too pretty, slick or glib. I prefer seeing people who look real and not like models; it is much more believable when there are wrinkles, flaws and wear and tear on the faces. Canadian and British casting seems to be very good for that. The world and time worn Gordon Pinsent is on one episode, he is an underrated and not well enough known actor who adds so much to everything he does. Doubtless his choice to stay in Canada was to his careers' detriment. I hope I am wrong but it looks like this show was not renewed, typical for many very good shows here in Canada, unfortunately. We suffer from a national inferiority complex which means until things are recognized outside our borders we don't really feel like it is "good enough" to merit our support. If the show was renewed I would love to know.
- calgarywino
- Aug 15, 2010
- Permalink
I have enjoyed this series, especially the dynamics of the two paramedics. It has enough spirit to keep you watching and characters that viewers can care about.
- annehazell
- Aug 1, 2019
- Permalink
The first episode was amazing, since then it only went down hill. From a real character they turned him into a 'superhero' with that blonde police officer- who looks like a high school girl pretending to be a police officer and chasing tough guys with her tiny pistol. In the beginning he struggled with his gift and had problems at work, since he was fighting crime at the same time. Later on, the conflicts went away and he managed to multi task - besides the blonde Barbie, and why do we have to keep seeing that frozen faced x-girlfriend - doctor? If nothing will happen between the two of them-then what is her role? I wonder if they changed writers in this show or just fell asleep.
This is a brilliant series and it's a shame that it ended as it did. They could have done so much more with it.
- lucasarts-88947
- Mar 25, 2021
- Permalink
I have read a few good reviews about the show, but I would have to say it is not very good. It seems to confuse the different "gifts" that he may have. From the beginning it seemed like he was only telepathic, then it seemed he had a couple more abilities than that. That is not my biggest problem though. To me, it is a very boring series that may try to copycat many others. Really, it's just boring. So many time i rolled my eyes. I have never made a review on this website before either. It seems as though they are very picky and critique everything you say. So I would say that a person's opinion does not seem to mean much anymore. Smile and bear it:)
- jessica-trumbaturi
- Jun 27, 2012
- Permalink
Toby Logan is a paramedic which can read thoughts. The series evolve around him and a few other key characters solving crimes using his ability.
Many shows and movies trying to start from something supernatural, only manages to produce a superficial action/horror/fantasy flick. The interest ends after the idea has been introduced - there is just nothing more to it - just some generic story and actors doing a decent job delivering the lines.
I stumbled onto the third season and immediately had to watch the entire series from the beginning. The Listener has truly engaging characters and a smart story which drives the series. The characters are fun, warm and real. The story is usually quite smart and there is a larger story which is handled throughout the seasons. It feels like a real story told in steady pace without the need to leave cliffhangers.
This beats so much nervous audience adapted crap that is produced today, where the story and characters are changed after each episode after reviewing the ratings and focus group opinions. The writers are not left alone to follow an idea undisturbed to the end - everyone are just nervous and there is no room for artistic talent.
If you like me are soooo tired of nervous cliffhanger series which may be canceled any minute, I truly recommend this show! It's going into the 5th season - watch it from the start and enjoy it and get to know the characters.
Many shows and movies trying to start from something supernatural, only manages to produce a superficial action/horror/fantasy flick. The interest ends after the idea has been introduced - there is just nothing more to it - just some generic story and actors doing a decent job delivering the lines.
I stumbled onto the third season and immediately had to watch the entire series from the beginning. The Listener has truly engaging characters and a smart story which drives the series. The characters are fun, warm and real. The story is usually quite smart and there is a larger story which is handled throughout the seasons. It feels like a real story told in steady pace without the need to leave cliffhangers.
This beats so much nervous audience adapted crap that is produced today, where the story and characters are changed after each episode after reviewing the ratings and focus group opinions. The writers are not left alone to follow an idea undisturbed to the end - everyone are just nervous and there is no room for artistic talent.
If you like me are soooo tired of nervous cliffhanger series which may be canceled any minute, I truly recommend this show! It's going into the 5th season - watch it from the start and enjoy it and get to know the characters.
- gil-roitto
- Jul 3, 2014
- Permalink
I never watch much of anything on network television, but I really love this show. And I'm very pleased to hear that it's going to come back to CTV for a second season - if only I could find the air dates somewhere! It's a good solid well-written SF series with a little humour, a little romance, a lot of action. Each episode also seems to have a plot twist that takes you in a different direction and shakes things up.
This show is Canadian all the way, and unapologetically so. That's one of the things I like the most about it. It's not trying to pass itself off as an American show - there are numerous references in each episode to Canada, Toronto, other places in Ontario, hockey, and other Canadianisms. Keep it coming, CTV!
This show is Canadian all the way, and unapologetically so. That's one of the things I like the most about it. It's not trying to pass itself off as an American show - there are numerous references in each episode to Canada, Toronto, other places in Ontario, hockey, and other Canadianisms. Keep it coming, CTV!
- cuthillh-1
- Jun 20, 2010
- Permalink